John A Bottman

John A. Bottman, 80 years, of Billings, passed away on Dec. 10th 2025.

He was born on May 21, 1945, in Fargo, North Dakota, to Arthur and Thelma Bottman. He graduated from Billing West High, and went on to MSU. He was a member of Honor Society, Key Club, Kappa Sigma Fraternity, FANG and Le Buffon.

John graduated from MSU in 1967 with a bachelor of science degree. He married his college sweetheart, Mary Ann Nelson, that same year, and went directly into the Army, courtesy of ROTC. He served seven-plus years in the military, with tours in Germany and Vietnam, returning home with Silver and Bronze Stars and a Distinguished Flying Cross. John was discharged in 1974 to pursue a career in the restaurant industry, spending time with Sambo’s, Country Kitchens and Wendy’s of Montana before building and operating two RAX Roast Beef Restaurants in Billings, which were sold in 1995. In 1986, John and Mary Ann purchased the Muzzle Loader Café & Powder Horn Bar, which they operated for 17 years before selling in 2003. The couple fully retired that year and spent their time with family, golfing and traveling the world. John was always an avid sportsman enjoying all that the natural world had to offer.

John was preceded by his brother Jeffery of Seattle. He is survived by two sons, Andrew Arthur Bottman of Billings and Timothy Allen Bottman of Portland, Oregon; three grandchildren, Jonah Rey and the twins, Forrest and Harrlow Bottman; and his siblings, Robert of Sheldon, Washington, Thomas of Hood River, Oregon and Laurel of Enterprise, Oregon.

Cremation has occurred. A celebration of life will be at a later date. Interment will be in the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel.

Memorials may be made to Bottman Army ROTC Endowment #92821, Alumni Foundation, PO Box 172750, Bozeman, MT 59715-2750. John and Mary enjoyed sharing their financial good fortunes with a number of charities.